Correct underweight heifers to stop expensive long-term issues
Farmers are being urged to assess their heifers over winter and take action to correct any weight issues following reports this summer’s grazing shortages and heat stress have impacted growth rates.
Our Senior Nutritionist Dr Robin Hawkey said farmers were concerned their heifers were smaller than expected, which can cause costly long-term problems.
Dr Hawkey said: “A few farmers have alreadydiscussed disappointing heifer growth rates, with one increasing feed in the summer, but still not obtaining expected targets.
“If heifers don’t hit bulling weight or age at first calving targets, there will be long-term implications for their herd,” he warned. “Lifetime yields will be reduced and there will be a negative impact on the carbon footprint, which is becoming increasingly relevant.”
Dr Hawkey fears the problem could be further exacerbated when heifers are housed and if silage quality is struggling. “Farmers could be further hindering an already compromised situation,” he said. “If the silage quality is struggling and farmers prioritise cows over heifers, it will set them back. They are the future of the herd,” he stressed.
Targets
Farmers should aim not only to calve heifers at 24 months, but ensure they are at the correct size.
To hit the 24 month calving target, heifers must weigh between 380-400kg or 60% of their adult weight at service (15 months old) and must be 90% of their mature body weight at calving. To hit these targets, heifers must average 0.8kg-1kg daily liveweight gain.
Solutions
Dr Hawkey said if heifers are underweight, a few months of supplementary feeding over winter could allow them to make up the gains.
“When decent quality forage is in short supply, alternatives can help, such as feeding forage extender blends or straw-based rations.
“Straw-based rations need to be carefully balanced in terms of protein, specifically rumen degradable protein, often supplied by compounds and blends including rapeseed and feed grade urea.
“Molassed-based products like Regumaize and Nutrimaize also contain urea but have the additional benefit of sugar, which helps support energy supply. Adequate mineral and vitamin provision needs to be considered, particularly biotin for heifers,” he added.
Lifetime Heifer 24 from Mole Valley Feed Solutions also makes a suitable feed option for youngstock to ease forage shortages. It contains 24% protein to balance rations and promote excellent heifer frame growth and specific minerals and vitamins for optimal health. The high levels of bypass protein enable heifers to achieve their full genetic potential, supported by research from Nottingham University.
Dr Hawkey concluded: “There is so much research on the benefits of calving at 24 months. If a heifer is too small at calving, that animal probably won’t perform for its lifetime.”
